Each of the 28 character traits is defined behaviorally, with psychometric evidence

demonstrating that it can be reliably measured. The book shows that "empirically
minded humanists can measure character strengths and virtues in a rigorous scientific
manner."
Practical applications of positive psychology include helping individuals and
organizations correctly identify their strengths and use them to increase and sustain their
respective levels of well-being. Each trait "provides one of many alternative paths to
virtue and well-being." Therapists, counselors, coaches, and various other psychological
professionals can use the new methods and techniques to build and broaden the lives of
individuals who are not necessarily suffering from mental illness or disorder.
Finally, other researchers have advocated grouping the 28 identified character traits into
just four classes of strength (Intellectual, Social, Temperance, Transcendent) or even just
three classes (without Transcendence). Not only is this easier to remember, but
additionally there is evidence that these adequately capture the components of the 28
original traits.
Perspective and wisdom (personified for example by Ann Landers): the coordination of
"knowledge and experience" and "its deliberate use to improve wellbeing." Many, but not
all, studies find that adults' self-ratings of perspective/wisdom do not depend on age. This
stands in contrast to the popular notion that wisdom increases with age.
Relation to virtue ethics
The virtues presented to some extent mirror the cardinal virtues and theological
virtues of Aristotle and Aquinas: hope,
faith, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance, and their respective parts.
See also
 Appreciative inquiry
 Cardinal virtues
 Positive psychology
 Science of morality
 Value (personal and cultural)—the principles, standards, or quality which guides human
actions
 Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS)
 Strengths and weaknesses (personality)
 Values in Action Inventory of Strengths
 Virtue ethics
 Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics
 Aquinas's Summa Theologica